LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspiring autism drama 'Po', directed by John Asher, will begin its film festival tour during National Autism Awareness Month with a free "blue carpet" public Awareness Screening at the Paramount Theater on April 5th. The screening will be hosted by Asher and the film's stars Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs, Ugly Betty), Kaitlin Doubleday (Empire), and newcomer Julian Feder(Weiner Dog franchise), along with legendary composer Burt Bacharach, who scored the project.

Based on a true story, 'Po' is about David Wilson (Gorham), a single dad with the sole responsibility of caring for his sixth grade son with autism after his young wife falls victim to cancer. Patrick, who prefers to be called Po (Feder), is a gifted but challenged child who is unable to communicate his own sense of loss. As father and son struggle to deal with life after Mom, they each begin to withdraw into their own worlds. David is overwhelmed by a high pressure job he is close to losing, while Po escapes being bullied and other tough moments by drifting into his magical fantasy world where he is just a typical carefree boy with a rich cast of other worldly companions. The growing divide between father and son and the mounting challenges of single parenthood of a special needs child threaten to separate David and Po permanently. Amy (Doubleday), Po's caring therapist, plays a critical role in keeping the family together where the bonds of love are tested in the most real way.

John Asher, whose own son has autism adds, "I am so grateful that festivals of this elite level, which are truly focused on independent films, have recognized the importance of our movie and its message."

Burt Bacharach who scored the movie and had a daughter with Asperger's Syndrome explains, "I was so touched by the film that scoring it was a labor of love."

'Po' begins its festival tour with its WORLD PREMIERE at the Panama International Film Festival on April 10th, NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE at the Palm Beach International Film Festival April 11th, WorldFest Houston April 16th, Newport Beach Film Festival honoring Burt Bacharach April 23rd, Arizona International Film Festival, and closing night film of Albuquerque Film and Music Experience on April 24th.